GameSpy Matchmaking Clarification

[jschuur]

Some clarifying words here from the Developer Relations Manager at GameSpy (that's me):

'Uninstalling GameSpy (Arcade)' will not affect your game performance. For one, having it installed while you're doing all your matchmaking using the in-game system couldn't affect your performance, since it's not running. More to this later on.

Plenty of other games use Arcade for matchmaking, including TBS games like Moonbase Commander, Heroes of Might & Magic IV. Telling people to uninstall it would be extremely ill advised, especially since it is not the root of the problem here.

Even if your game is launched by GameSpy Arcade because you chose to browser for games with it, Arcade will use next to no extra bandwidth while minimized. This is documented here:

http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/hibernate.shtml

Additionally, if you're using the in-game matchmaking system (accessable via the 'Multipayer' menu item), you're still using GameSpy tech as a matchmaking solution BTW. Infogrames and Firaxis have licensed our tech to allow you to find opponents in-game without needing to run an external matchmaking application.

So why's the game so slow then, you say? PTW currently sends more traffic than it should when performing in-game GameSpy matchmaking. It's a known issue by Firaxis and GameSpy, we've isolated the problem and Firaxis will be fixing this in the next patch.

GameSpy Arcade also doesn't install any spyware products. All software bundles are specifically prompted for. If you installed it straight off of the CD, you're getting a version that is clean of any third party software bundles.

What is GameSpy Arcade there for then, if the game features an in-game matchmaking lobby? As some have mentioned in the forums, it's a convenient way of seeing activity in the lobbies, will not having the game running full screen. You can idle and do other work elsewhere on your desktop. If people decide they want to use the in-game solution solely, more power to them. Just remember you're still using GameSpy technology as implemented by the developer

 

[Sultan Bhargash]

I would like to thank gamespy and firaxis for admitting that there was a problem and doing something to fix it.

I look forward to the age of multiplayer Civ3.

 

[joespaniel]

Originally posted by jschuur
Some clarifying words here from the Developer Relations Manager at GameSpy (that's me):

Thanks for posting, js.

I feel bad for the Firaxis guys on account of the beating they're taking of late, and gamespy as well.

I dont care either way how the game is hosted, as long as it is playable.

I look forward to the new patch, and playing some MP.
-joespaniel.

 

[LastMan]

PTW currently sends more traffic than it should when performing in-game GameSpy matchmaking.

PTW currently sends more traffic than it should, period.

 

[Harbinger]

Anybody hearing any rumors about how soon this new anti-lag patch will be out? I'm dying to crush some actual humans under my chariot wheels in something approaching real-time...

 

[Neomega]

I did just read gamespy's staement, and I am a bit saddened, they replied to a thread I started at CFC, and yet, it appears they did not even take the time to read what I had posted.

In fact, my intelligence was insulted, as he went on to address how gamespy does not contribute to lag, (which I had already clearly clarified thaT UNINSTALLING IT WOULD NOT HELP lag issues) but did not address the fact that two different programs being used for the same game in the matchmaking process could be having problems, (even though thte techs are the same, something I also already aknowledged...... if he would have read the first post of the thread before he replied

then he went on to say that arcade and the Civ 3 PTW lobby use the same tech, not the same program

It seems to be inattentive damage control.


this is the only paragraph where he addressed the issue:

Additionally, if you're using the in-game matchmaking system (accessable via the 'Multipayer' menu item), you're still using GameSpy tech as a matchmaking solution BTW. Infogrames and Firaxis have licensed our tech to allow you to find opponents in-game without needing to run an external matchmaking application.

So does that mean that these two programs are going to function with eachother flawlessly? Is there a chance that the two lobbies could be conflicting?


BTW the problem should be fixed in 1.05 patch, so I hear.

 

[Alpine Trooper]

Here here. God forbid Gamespy actually address the issue.